Thursday, December 12, 2013

Assyrian Medium Infantry

This is part 2 of a series on my Ancient Assyrian army (mostly "new" Minifigs of the late 1970's).

These kind of figures appear on Assyrian reliefs, and are sometimes termed "Pioneers". They may have been that, or troops that fought with (? 2 handed) maces.

For wargames tactical variety, we have assumed the later. They are usually shown wearing mail shirts.

More of a "Light Heavy Infantry" unit in the old WRG parlance!

Map of the early Assyrian state and neighboring powers circa 1450 BC (from Wikipedia).

Thjis is a unit of Medium Spearmen (again, LMI in old WRG speak).

The Assyrians were often at war with the neighboring Kingdom of Urartu, which they often defeated but never conquered. The troops armed in this style were either imitations of their foes, or Urartuan troops incorporated within the Assyrian army.

Map for Middle Assyrian period, 1392 - 934 BC (from Wikipedia)

In either case, the crested helmet was characteristic of these troops.

Here's another unit of these troops.

Handy for protecting flanks or rough terrain in wargames terms.

The crossed belts on the chest, looking remarkably "Napoleonic, were characteristic of the dress of these troops depicted in Assyrian reliefs.

Map of Neo-Assyrian Empire and expansions, and vicinity (from Wikipedia once again).

They've also seen action using Hostile Realms (watch out for those flying Bulls!), Archon 2nd edition, but mostly a lot of action in the 1980's and 1990's with our Legion! and Sweet inspired house rules, which I've named Legio Quadratus:

I am sure the "trailer" (more of a "wish" than an actual movie "trailer") was put together using screenshots from one of the computer wargames. Still good for inspiration, and I think an actual movie about the Assyrians could be awesome!